Why did Apple release the iPad 4 so soon after the iPad 3?

Enlarge / Apple probably has a few good reasons for accelerating its usual iPad release schedule.

Chris Foresman

Before October 23 rolled around, there were rumors Apple might release a slightly revised iPad 3 around the same time as the iPad mini, likely adopting Apple's new Lightning connector. But the company actually had a bigger surprise in store, stuffing a faster A6X processor inside and calling it a "fourth-generation" iPad.

The move was uncharacteristic for Apple. By tradition, the company has never revved its mobile products more than once per year. The first three iPads were released about a year apart, all in the March/April timeframe. So why did Apple change up the iPad after just seven months?

We've heard a few theories, and have a few of our own. We thought it would be worthwhile to look at them and consider how much any lone reason may have influenced Apple.